SEATTLE, Wash. — Just over a week after a difficult loss to the Denver Broncos, the Seahawks are rapidly approaching the midpoint of the season with a potentially subpar record.
While it’s not necessarily time to panic yet, the flaws emerging from the 2026 Seahawks could become something to worry about during Sunday’s primetime game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Most notably, Sam Darnold’s poor decision-making with the football. Darnold has thrown 7 interceptions this season, including two last week against the Broncos. One of those, an overtime toss to an essentially triple-covered Rashid Shaheed, handed the Broncos the game.
Although the seasoned veteran has struggled with turnovers in the past, Darnold has proven he can play clean, effective football. That version of Darnold must show up Sunday night, if the Seahawks want to stay neck and neck with an undefeated Chiefs team.
Sunday also marks Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III’s return to Lumen Field. Walker is having an outstanding season, as he currently leads the NFL with 665 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks, who are opting to sit recovering running back Zach Charbonnet Sunday, have looked shaky, at best, when it comes to their running game.
Being down multiple starting running backs certainly plays a role, but when the entire team’s combined rushing campaign is less than one man’s stats (643 vs. Walker’s 665), there might be a problem.
It is even more frustrating when the defense is playing as good as it is. Last week, the Seahawks defense held Bo Nix to just 107 passing yards. In fact, in the second half, the defense completely neutralized any effort by the Broncos on offense -- holding them to a collective 36 yards.
Whether its offensive coordinator Brian Fleury’s playcalling or Darnold overthinking his throws, turnovers and simple mistakes on offense are losing the Seahawks winnable games.
The Seahawks are in a funk on offense, and if the team loses Sunday, some difficult conversations must be made.
The Seahawks face the Chiefs Sunday night at Lumen Field. Kickoff is slated for 5:20 p.m.